Method and means for control of



Feb. 23, 1955 F. P. STROTHER METHOD AND MEANS FOR CONTROL. OF INDEPENDENTLY VARIABLE CHARACTERISTICS Original Filed Jan. 22, 1948 6; snags-sheet 1 mvzm'oh FRED P. STROTHER Feb. 23. 1954 P. STROTHE-R Re. 23,7 90

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I |NVENTOR FRED P. STROTHER s... Feb. 23, a 1954 METHOD AND MEANS Foa oon'raoil or VARIABLE CHARAC- INDEPENDENTLY TERISTICS Fred r. Strother, Shawmut, Ala, assignor to- Deering Millikan Research Trust, New York, N. Y., a nonprofit trust of New York Original No. 2,612,743, dated October rial No. 3,776, January 22, 1948.

7, 1952, Se- Application for reissue August 11, 1953, Serial No. 373,703

39 Claims. (Cl. 5738.3)

Matter enclosed in heavy brackets The present invention relates to control methods and means and more particularly to methods and means for obtaining novel effects, such as, novel characteristics of a fabricated article or novel sequence of events. Specifically the invention comprises a method and means for converting randomly occurring pulses into useful control signals of random occurrence and of random duration ormagnitude, or'of both random duration and random magnitude.- Th control system of the invention is particularly adapted for use in the production of yarn having slubs of random dimensionsat random intervals therein, as signals produced in accordance with the invention may be used to control, not only the spacing between the slubs, but also the lengths-fiend diameters of the slubs. iul applications or the control system or the invention will become apparent a the description proceeds.

In general the control signals produced in accordance with theinvention may be used for random control of two or more independently variable characteristics of one, or of several, elements. For example, the signals may control the I appears in the original patent but forms. no part of this reh sue specification; matter printed in italics indicates the additions made by reissue.

Fig. 5 illustrates the system of Fig. 4 as applied to the control of targets in a shooting gallery;

Fig. 5a is a section on the line-ia-Sa of Fig.

and

Fig. 6 illustrates the control system of Fig. 4

' trolling the rateof rotation of the feed rolls'for other userates of travel of elements, the times during which they travel and their directions of travel, or the signals may control the orientation of elements', their actuation, and their functioning when actuated.

For a better understanding of the invention and of specific controls systems embodying the same, reference may be had to the accompanying drawings of which:

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a specific embodimentof the invention wherein control signals of random duration and produced at random intervals control slub in ecting mechanism;

Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the invention wherein means are provided for adjusting the minimum interval between the random control signals;

Fig. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating an alternative arrangement for obtaining control signals of random occurrence and of random duration with the average rate of occurrence and the average duration each being separately adjustable;

Fig. 4" illustrates a control system wherein con trols signals'of random occurrence and or random duration are converted into corresponding signals having a third randomly varying charac- --teristic; the system being shown as applied to club injection to obtain slubs in yarn of random occurrence, rendom'length', and or random diameter;

the duration of each control signal. Yarn pro duced by the spinning mechanism thus has ran-- dom length slubs at random intervals therein, the

intervals between slubs corresponding to the intervals of time between consecutive control signals and the lengths of the slubs corresponding the periods of duration of the control signals. The counter tube, indicated at 2, may be a conventional Geiger-Millie! counter tube com- .prising a grounded and air tight cylindrical member 4 containing argon or other inert gas at low pressure and a wire electrode ii extending along the axis of the cylinder tand suitably insulated therefrom. A lead shield B or suitable thickness is provided about the counter 2. The electrode 6 of the counter is connected to a source of high voltage through a high resistance In and a resistor l2 and the junction of resistors ill and I2 is connected to the control grid oi-e. pentode I4 through: a capacity It. A pulse lengthening condenser 518 is connected between ground and the lead 20 connecting resistor l2 and capacity it. The'anode of pentode i4 is connected to a source 01 positive potential, indicated as B+ through a resistor 22, and to one control grid 23 of a double triode 24 through a' condenser 28.

tion oi resistors and 4| connected in series across the source of potential. A resistor 42 is connected between the control grid "'28 and round.

' direct current 46.

, illustrated in Fig.

The circuit so-far described provides a means for obtaining energization of relay 38 at random pose, relay 36 controls, through its armature 43 and a front contact 44, an intermediate circuit including a, holding relay 46 and a source of A switch arm 41, biased to closed position by a spring 48 and interposed in the intermediate circuit between the source 46 and the winding of relay 45 is intermittently opened by a cam 56, cam 56 being rotated at a constant, relatively slow, rate by any suitable means, indicated as a motor and being shaped to open the switch 41 once during each revolution. A circuit including leads 52 and 54 and front contact 56 of relay 45 bridges the armature 43 and front contact 44 45 energized after deenergization of relay 36 and until the circuit is opened at switch 41 by the rotating cani- 50. ,Thus, the duration of energization of relay 45 wil1 depend upon the angular position of the cam 50 at the moment of energization of relay 36, the average period of duration depending upon the dimensions of the cam and upon the rate of rotation thereof.

In the particular embodiment of the invention 1, relay 45, when energized, closes the circuit of a magnetic clutch 58 over a front contact 66, the cooperating armature 6| of the relay being connected to the positive terminal of a suitable source of energy indicated by E+, and -the winding of the magnetic clutch being connected between front contact 66 and the negative terminal of the source, indicated by E-. A back contact '62 associated with armature 6! is connected toground through a bleed resistor 63 and, through a condenser 64, with the other control grid 65 of double triode 24, grid 65 being connected to ground through a resistor 66. The associated anode 61 of the tube 24 is tied directly to 13+.

Magnetic clutch 58, when a shaft 68 to a drive shaft 69, and such coupling results in a reduction of the draft of a yarn spinning mechanism.

The yarn spinning mechanism is diagram- -matically illustrated as comprising a pair of feed rolls I0, a pair of draft rolls H, and a conventional ring spinner 12; The rolls 16 draw roving 13 from one or a plurality of supply bobbins l4 and feed it into the ratch defined by the two pairs of rolls, where it is drafted by the rapid rotation of the draft rolls H. The drafted fibers, upon emission from the draft rolls are spun into yarn by the ring spinner 12. As is well known, the diameter of yarn spun from any roving on a given spinning mechanism may be varied by varying the draft of the mechanism, that is, by varying the ratio or the peripheral speed of the draft rolls to that oi the-feed rolls, decrease in draft resulting in increase in yarn diameter. Thus, by temporary increase in feed roll speed in response to energization of magnetic clutch 68, slubs are injected into the yarn, In Fig. 1 such increase in feed roll speed is obso as to maintain relay energized, couples tained through the use of a pair of overriding clutches, indicated diagrammatically as comprising ratchet wheels 16 and 18 on the shaft 86 of the driven feed roll and PM; 'fipective driving pawls 82 and 84. Pawl 881s mounted on an arm 86 integral with a sprocket 86 rotatably mounted on the shaft 86 and chain driven from the main drive shaft 86 of the spinning mechanism. Paw} 84 is carried by an arm 82 secured to a shaft 64 for rotation therewith; shaft 84 being coupled, through suitable multiplication gearing, indicated diagrammatically at 96, with shaft 68. The draft rolls 1| are driven from drive shaft 90 through multiplication gearing indicated diagrammatically at 68.

In the operation of the system of Fig. 1, when cosmic or other radiation penetrates the counter tube 2 andionizes the gas therein-a transient discharge occurs between electrode 6 and the grounded cylinder 4. The grid of pentode I4 is swung sufiiciently negative by the transient current to cause deenergization of the 1 pentode. Deenergization of the pentode I4,;causes a sudden rise in potential of thegrid 23 of tube 24 with consequent energization of that half of the tube and of relay 36. Energization of relay 36, providing switch 41 is closed, closes the circuit of relay 45 causing that relay to pickup its armatures to close its holding circuitover front contact 56 and to close the circuit of the magnetic clutch 58 over front contact 66. Relay 45 and magneticclutch 58 will remain energized after deenergization of relay 86 until the circuit of relay 45 is opened at switch 41 by cam 56. During such period of energization of the magnetic clutch 56, ratchet wheel 18 will be driven through its pawl 84 and its rate of rotation will be greater than that of sprocket 88. Consequently, the teeth of ratchet wheel 16 will slide under the pawl 82 and the rate of rotation of shaft 86 will be increased. The resulting increased rate of rotation of the feed rolls and consequent reduction in draft will cause a slub'to be injected into the yarn, the length of which will depend upon the duration of the control signal, that is, upon the period of energization of the magnetic clutch 58, and the diameter of which will depend upon the rate of rotation of the shaft 65. As the clutch is energized at random intervals in response to pulses originating in the counter 2, and for random periods of duration, as a result of the rotation of cam 50, the slubs injected into the yarn by the above described control system 45 as when relay 46 releases and armature 6|, engages back contact 62.1. positive pulse from" the source E+ is impressed on the control grid 65 causing a transient current through that half of the double triode, and thereby raising the cathode potential and thus preventing energizetion of the other half of thetube for a time sufficient for release of the magneticclutch.

The optimum dimensions of the counter tube 2 and or the lead sheath} will depend upon the radiation to which it is to exposed and upon the desired average frequency of discharge of the counter, which in turn depends largely upon the mechanism to becontrolled. In the case of slub injection, the desired averagefrequency will depend upon the rate of yarn production of the'spinning mechanism. As the rate of emission per unit weight and the penetrating powers of the radiations of radioactive materialsare known, as is also the average frequency ofincidence of cosmic rays, suitable dimensions of the counter for any desired average number of pulses may be readily calculated. Preferably the counter has been found to operate particularly satisfactorily to produce control pulses at an average rate suitable for random slub injection.

If it is desired to provide an adjustable minimum interval between control signals and to change the overall average rate of occurrence of control signals without substitution of a counter tube '01 different dimensions, the circuit of Fig. 2 may be employed. In this embodiment of the invention relay 36 controlling the intermediate circuit is energized in response to coincident discharges of two counter tubes, 2a and 2b and adjustable means are provided for preventing reenergization of relay 3B for a predetermined inteival after deenergization of the holding relay ,45. In Fig. 2, as the circuits of both counter tube 2a and counter tube 2b are like that of tube 2 of Fig. 1, the elements thereof are identified by the same reference numbers as those used to identiiy like elements in Fig. 1, the subscripts a and b being added to the reference numbers for the elements of the respective circuits of tubes 2a and 2b. The plate of pentode Na in the circult of counter 2a and the plate of pentode I4b in the circuit of counter- 2b are tied together by a conductor I00, and are connected to one control grid I02 of a double triode I04 through the condenser 28 so that a positive pulse is transmitted to grid I02 only when both tubes Ma and [4b are coincidently blocked as aresult of coincident discharges of counter tubes 2a and 2b. Relay 35 is connected in the circuit of anode I06 of tube I04 controlled-by grid I02. The cathodes of tube I04 are connected together and to ground through a condenser I08 and to ground through an adjustable portion of resistor 4I; resistor 4I being connected in series with resistor 40 across the source of potential as in the circuit of Fig. 1. The other control grid, IIO, of the double triode I04 is connected to ground through a resistor H2 and, through a back contact H4 and armature IIE of the holding relay 45, with a manually adjustable I contact arm I I8. One plate of each of a plurality of condensers of different capacities, CI, C2, C3,

. and C4, is grounded and the other plate of each condenser is'connected with a different contact engageable by the arm H8. A front contact I20,

associated with armature I I6 is connected to 13+.

'With the above described arrangement, assum-- ing arm I I8 positioned as shown in Fig. 2, during energization of relay 45, that is, for the duration 01' a control signal, condenser C3 is charged over armature III; and front contact I20 of the relay. When switch 41 is opened by cam 50, terminating the control signal, relay 45 is deenergized and drops its armature IIB. Condenser C3 thereupon discharges through the circuit including arrna ture H6, back contact I I4 and resistor I,I2. This discharge current raises the potential of" control grid H0 and causes current to flow through the corresponding half of double triode I04. The consequent rise of the potential of the cathodesoi tube I04 blocks the half of the double triode controlling relay 36 and prevents energization there-' of by any pulse from the coincident circuit during the period or discharge of condenser C8. By ad- Justment or arlrr I I8 any one of four diflerent minimum intervals between control signals, each corresponding to the capacity of a different one of the condensers CI, C2, C3 and C4, may be selected. A greater or a fewer number ofcon trolled, as inFig. 1 over top contacts of relay 45.

In the particular arrangement of Fig. 2 the cir-- cult of the magnetic clutch 58 is controlled over front contacts of a relay 45, the winding of which is connected in parallel with the winding of relay 45, so as to be energized concurrently therewith. It will be understoodthat the magnetic clutch 58, when energized, couples shaft 68 to the drive shaft 69 for insertion of a slubint'o yarn, as heretofore described with reference to Fig. l, the length of each slub depending upon the duration of the control signal and the intervals between slubs depending upon the periods between the cessation of one control signal and the inception of the next. With the circuit of Fig 2, however,

the average rate of production of control signals may be adjusted by moving the counter tubes 2a and 21) toward or away'from each other to increase or decrease, respectively, the probability of coincident discharges as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Also, because of the provision of the condensers CI, C2, C3 and C4, and the circuit associated therewith, adjustment may be made of the minimum interval between control signals, and, therefore, between slubs, when slub injecting mechanism is controlled by'the system.

Another arrangement for. obtaining-control signals of random duration and of random occurrence, and one in which the average rate of cocurrence and the average duration are separately adjustable is shown in Fig. 3'. In this embodi ment of the invention three counter, tubes 20, 2d and 2e are employed and connected so that coincident discharges of two, specifically counters 2c and 2d, initiate a control signal while coincident discharge of one of these two, specifically tube 2d, and of the third counter 2e, terminate age rate of occurrence of control signals may be increased and decreased respectively and similarly by movingv counter 2e toward and away from counter 2d the averageduration of the control pulses may be decreased and increased, ,respectively.

As shown in Fig. 3, the ungrounded electrode of the counter tub 20 is connected to the'high voltage line I22 through a pair of resistors I 2c and I00, and through resistor I20 and condenser I60 to the control grid of the pentode I4c. Similarly the ungrounded electrode of counter tube 2d is connected to the high voltage line I22 through resistors I26. and I0d and to the control grid of pentode l4d through resistor I2d and condenser [6d and the ungrcunded electrode of counter 2e is connected to line I22 through resistors I2e'and Iile and to the control grid of pentode I4e through resistor I2e and condenser I6e. The anode of pentode I40 is connected to the control grid of a triode I24 through acondenser I26, is connected to the anode of pentode I4d through a resistor I28 and is connected to B+ through a resistor I30. The anode of pentode Ile is connected to the control grid of a triode I32 through a condenser I34, is connected to the anode of pentode I4d through a resistor "Saudis connected to 3+ through a resistor I33. The screen grids of the unpredictable periods. "may control the circuit of the magnetic clutch I spectively, and to ground through resistors I48 and I50, respectively. The plate of triode I24 is connected to 13+ through the winding of a control signaIWstart relay I52 and the plate of triode I32 is connected to 13+ through the winding of a control signal stop relay I54. Relay I52, overa front contact, I56, and relay I54, over a back contact I58, control an intermediatecircult including a source of electromotive force indicated as a battery IE0, and the winding of a holding relay I62. The holding circuit of relay I62 comprises a lead I64 connected between the positive terminal of source I60 and armature I65 of relay I62, front contact, I66 associated therewith and a lead I61 connected between contact I66 and the winding of the relay. Relay I62 may,

. as shown, directly control another circuit over a front contact of a second armature I10, and that circuit may be used for actuation or control of an element at unpredictable intervals and for For example, relay I62 of Fig. l for insertion of slubs into yarn, or it may be used as hereinafter described in connection with Figs. 4 to 6 in obtaining a control signal varying randomly in magnitude as 'well a in occurrence and in duration.

The operation of the system of Fig. 3 will be readily apparent from the foregoing description. When only one counter tube, for example counter 20, is discharged as the result of penetration by cosmic rays, pentode I4c is blocked but pentode I4d remains energized. Resistor I 28 i so chosen that the positive pulse transmitted to the control grid of tube I24 under these conditions is insufiicient to energize that tube. Similarly if counter tube 2e alone is discharged, blocking of pentode I4e while pentode I 4d remains energized, will not energize tube I32. 'As pentodes I40 and Me are substantially isolated from each other by the series connected resistors I 28 and I36 coincident discharge of counters 2c and 2e will not energize either triode I24 or I32. When, however, counters 2c and 2d ar coincidently discharged, both pentodes I40 and I4d are blocked and a positive pulse of suflicientmagnitude is impressed upon the control grid of triode I24 to insure energization of that tube and consequent energization of relay I52. Relay I52 then picks up its arinature and closes the energizing circuit of holding relay I62, relay I54 being deenergized so that the circuit of relay IE2 is completed over back contact I58. When relay I62 is energized it picks'up its holding circuit overfront contact I66 and hence is not deenergized by subsequent deene'rgization of relay I52. Relay I 62 will remain energized until v coincident discharges of counter tubes 26. and 2e. cause energization of triode I32. and consequent energization of stop relay I54. Thus with the circuit of Fig. 3, both the occurrence and the duration of the control signals depend upon the randomreception of coincident duration, or both, as desired. Although no means are included in the circuit of Fig. 3 for insuring a minimum period between control signals, obviously the condenser arrangement described in connection with Fig. 2 could be added, if desired, to prevent energization of tube I24 for a predetermined period after deenergization of the holding relay I62.

In the embodiments of the invention so far described the produced signals are of random occurrence and of random duration. Kit is desired thatvthe control signals have a third vari- I able characteristic, for example magnitude, the circuits of Figsl 'gl to 3 may be readily modified in accordance with the arrangement of Fig. 4 to which reference may now be had. In Fig. 4 wherein control of' slub injection mechanism is illustrated, a relay 112 is energized at random intervals and for periods of random duration.

The energizing circuit of relay I12 is not shown.

, solenoid being energized from any suitable source connected to terminals indicated at I92 whenever relay I12 is energized. Energization, o! the solenoid I opensa gate valve I83 in a fluid supply line I84 against the action of a biasing spring I86, the valve being normally completely closed and moved to full open position when solenoid I80 is energized. Over armature I16 and back contact I, relay I12 controls the circuit of a small alternating current motor I90, motor I receiving current during the periodsof deenergization of relay I12 from any suitable source-of alternating current connected to terminals I92. A cam disk I04, which is mounted eccentrically on the shaft I96 of motor I90, engages the upper end of the valve stem I 98 of a variable orifice valve 200 in the line I84 to vary the position of the movable member of the valve continuously during periods of energization 'of the motor I90, a com pression spring 202 serving to maintain the-valve stem I98 in engagement with the cam disk I94. A front contact 204 associated with armature I16 is connected through a rectifier 206 with that one of the terminals I92 connected with the motor I90 and a condenser 208 is bridged across contacts I80 and 204. Thus when relay I12 lifts its armatures, the surge of current through the motor resulting from discharge of condenser 208 effectively stops the motor and the valve 200 is held stationary for the duration of the control signal.-

The valves I03 and 200 are interposed in the line I84 between an accumulator type hydraulic pump 2 I0 and an hydraulic motor 2 I2. The fluid return line is indicated at 2I3. An overriding clutch 2|4 couples a stub shaft 2I6 to the shaft 2I0 of motor 2I2. The drive shaft 00 of the mechanism is coupled to stub shaft 2I6 through a chain 220 engaging sprocket wheels 222 and 224 on shafts 203 and 80, respectively. Shaft 80. except during period of slub injection, is driven, as in Fig. 1. from the main drive shaft 90 of the spinning mechanism through the overriding clutch comprising sprocket 80, pawl 82 and ratchet wheel 16.

With the above described control system of Fig. 4. during the intervals between control signals, thatis between periods of energization of relay I12, the feed rolls are driven at a constant speed, valve I83is in closed position and hence motor M2 is idle while motor I90 is energized causing valve stem I88 to be reciprocated at a relatively slow rate. When relay I12 becomes energized, it picks up its armatures, opening the circuit of motor I90 at contact I88, braking the motor at contact 204 and closing the circuit of solenoid I at contact I10. Operating fluid is then delivered to motor 2I2 through valves I83 and-200 and this motor will drive shaft 2I8 at a rate determined by the particular setting of valve 200 occurring 'at'the momentof stoppage oi! motor I90, which setting remains constant control signal and as the valve stem is not recip-.

rocated during a control signal, the speed of motor 2I2, and hence, the diameters of the injected slubs, will vary independently of the occurrence and length of the slubs in a purely random manner.

In Fig. the control system of Fig. 4 is utilized for control of targets in a shooting gallery. The control system causes the targets to appear at random intervals and at random locations, to remain in view for periods of random duration and to travel at random rates. The targets are indicated at 226 and mayhave any desired configuration. For simplicity of illustration the .targets have been shown as flat disks. Each port rods are pivotally mounted in any suitable manner on a narrow endless belt 230 so as to be freely oscillatable about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the belt. For example the ends of the rods 228 may be looped about staples 232 longitudinally disposed along the belt and secured thereto with their central stretches spaced therefrom to allow free pivotal motion of the rods 228. The endless belt 230 passes around an idler roller 234 and a driven roller 236. Roller 236, as diagrammatically indicated by the dashed line 238, is driven by a variable speed electric motor 240 so as to be rotated thereby in thedirection of the arrow. Ad-

iacent to idler roller 234 is a pair of fixed guide rails 242 for reception therebetween of the rods 220 during travel around the roll 234, the rails 242, at their lowermost ends being widely spaced to insure entrance of the depending rods 228 therebetween and at their upper ends converging to guide the rods into the angular position shown in Fig. 5a. A movable guide rail 244, extending parallel with the upper reach of the belt 230 is supported at its ends by arms 24B and 248 which are pivotally mounted on pins 250 for oscillation about an axis parallel to the direction of travel of the belt. Arm 246 forms one arm of a bell crank lever, the other arm of which is indicated by the reference numeral 252-. The position of arm 252 is controlled by the solenoid I00 which, when energized, rocks the arm against the action of the compression spring I86 into the position illustrated in full lines in the drawing. In this position rail 244 is substantially above the level of the upper stretch of belt 230 and hence, any targets 225 on the upper stretch of the belt will be held'substantially vertically by engagement of the rods 228 with the rail 244. When the solenoid is deenergized, spring I86 moves the arm 202 into the position shown in dotted lines in by gravity onto the retracted rail 244. Thus,

' upon occurrence of a control signal, such, targets as are on the upper stretch of the belt are raised by rail 244 into position where they will be visible over the top of a suitable screen indicated in Fig. 5a at 254. To avoid confusion in the drawing, screen 254 has been'only partly shown in Fig. 5. would be wide enough to obscure the rollers and guide rails from the view of one shooting at the targets travelling along the upper stretch of the belt. The targets will remain in view for the duration of the control signal, provided they are still on the upper stretch of the belt. Their rate of travel; while in view, will depend upon the speed of motor 240 at the moment of initiation of the control signal. The control of the speed of motor 240, which corresponds to the control,

of the modulating valve 200 of Fig. his through motor I which, when energized over back contact I88 of relay I12 continuously varies a re- Fig. 4 provides three randomly varying char-. acteristics, specifically, occurrence, duration and rate of travel. In Fig. 5 a fourth substantially random' characteristic is introduced, namely position, that is, the position of a target along the upper stretch of belt 230 at the moment it is a control signal. This characteristic depends, raised into view as a result of the occurrence of of course, on the distribution of the targets and becomes of increasing importance as the number of targets is decreased. It will be understood that the rail 244 is positioned adjacent the belt and between it and the firing line so that when a target is hit it is knocked away from the rail and falls by gravity toward the other side of the belt.

Still another embodiment of the invention wherein control signals of randomly varying characteristics are obtained and utilized is disclosed in Fig. 6 wherein the system provides a test of quickness of response and perception of an india battery 268, through a fixed resistor 210,

through two sections of a resistor 212 in parallel and movable contact arm 214 to the armature I14 of relay I12, front contact I18, the winding of the pen motor to the other terminal of battery 268, indicated as ground. continuously rotated by motor I90 during intervals of deenergization of relay I12, motor I90 being energized as in Figs.-.4 and 5 over back contact I88 of relay I12. Thus, with relay I12 energized at random "intervals and for periods of random duration, pen motor 206 will be energized concurrently with the relay, but the magnitude of the energizing current during any period of energization will depend upon the angular position of arm 214 at the moment of energization of relay I12. The pen 266' of pen motor 286 is positioned over a scaled paper 216 which is It will be understood that the screen Arm 214 is movedunder the pen in the direction of the arrow by rotation of a drum 218 upon which the paper is wound. Drum 218 is driven at a constant rate by any suitable means, indicated in the drawing as a motor 280. The track of the pen 266 is indicated at A.

In order to test the quickness of response of an individual a second pen motor 282 isprovided and positioned with its pen 282? over the sheet 216. The circuit of motor 282 is similar to that of motor 266 but is controlled manually, rather than automatically. As shown, the circuit includes a resistor 284, two variable portions of a resistor 286 in parallel, manually adjustable con-,

tact arnr 288 and push button switch 290 all vconnected in series between the battery 268 and the winding of the pen motor. Thus an operator can press the key 290 when he sees the pen 266' start'to swing and adjust the arm 288 as by a knob 292, to increase or decrease the swing of pen 282' in accordance with the deflection of pen 266' and thus attempt to cause the pen 282' to duplicate the track A. The track B, made by pen 282', can be compared with the track A tov determine from a suitable longitudinal scale (not shown) along the sheet 216, the time of response of the individual, both at the beginning and end of a control signal and also to determine from the magnitudes of corresponding deflections. the coordination or accuracy of perception of the individual. Various other arrange- ,ments for utilizing the control signals produced tem of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art. In each embodiment of the invention control pulses of random occurrence are converted into control signals of random. occurrence and of random duration either through the intermediary of a cyclically varying element as in Figs. 1 and 2 or by selection of random pulses, as in Fig. 3.

In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in Figs. 4, and 6, means, including an element cyclically varying during intervals between control signals, are provided for converting the control signals produced in accordance with the system of Figs. 1, 2 or 3, into signals suitable for controlling, in addition to occurrence and duration a third characteristic of an element. In Fig. 4 such third characteristic is the diameter of theinjected slubs; in Fig. 5 the third characteristic is the rate of travel of the target and in Fig. 6 the third characteristic is the magnitude of the current to a pen motor.

In each embodiment of the invention the initial source of random pulses has been indicated as one or a plurality, of counter tubes actuated by cosmic radiation. Any source of inherently random phenomena that can be converted into pulses occurring at random intervals could be employed in the control system of the present invention. The invention, broadly speaking, is concerned'with the conversion of random pulses emanating from any source into signals of random occurrence and duration, such signals being suitable for control of at least "two independently variable characteristics. It is preferred that this source of pulses be one actuated by random reception of radiation, and the preferred control signals into which the pulses are converted are signals suitable for use in the control of slub-inserting mechanisms. Obviously-various changes could be made in the particular circuits shown in the drawings and in the elements controlled thereby withoutwjdeparting from the spirit. of the invention. i

In Figs. 1, Zand 4 the control system has been indicated as controlling the injection of slubs into yarn by increase of the rate of rotation of the feed rolls of a yarn spinning and drafting mechanism to reduce the draft thereof. It will be understood that the draft could be reduced without increase of rate of feed roll rotation, for example by change in ratch length, or by decrease in rate of rotation of the draft rolls or by change of location of feed of the roving into the ratch in the case of conical feed rollsand that slubs could be injected into yarn without change of draft, for example by the addition of loose fibers to the roving. Also slubscould be injected into continuous filament yarn during extrusion or spinning thereof or during stretch breaking and drafting thereof. Accordingly, so far as slub'injection is concerned, the invention provides a method and means for so controlling an element affecting the diameter of yarn during the production thereof that the resultant yarn will have slubs of random length therein at random intervals and with, if desired random diameter.

solenoid, adapted when-energized to control injection of a slub. In Fig. 5 the solenoid I could control the magnetic clutch of Fig. 1 and motor 240) could drive the shaft 69 of Fig. 1. In Fig. 6 the pen motor 263 could be replaced by a" solenoid controlling the location axially along conical feed rolls of a trumpet through which roving is fed to the feed rolls of a drafting mechanism. Other specific applications of the control systems of Figs. 1 to 6, with respect to slub injection and with reference to other fields of use will occur to those skilled in the art.

The following is claimed:

1. The method of producing control signals which comprises utilizing a source of inherently random phenomena to create randomly occurring pulses, controlling the initiation of a series of control signals by said pulses, [separately] creating a second series of control pulses independent in time of the first mentioned series of tween signals whereby the randomly occurring control signals of random duration have-a random magnitude.

3. The method according to claim 2 including holding the element constant during control signals whereby the magnitude of a control signal,

13 is substantially constant for the duration of that signal.

4. The method according to claim 1 including preventing initiation of a control signal for a predetermined period following termination of a control signal, to insure a minimum interval between control signals.

5. ,The method of producing controlsignals which comprises utilizing a source of inherently random phenomena to create randomly occurring pulses, controlling the initiation of a series of control signals by said pulses, and continuously activating an element effective to terminate control signals at predetermined intervals to produce control signals of random duration and of random occurrence.

6. The method of producing control signals pulses by closure of an energizing circuit of the device, andbreaking the holding circuit of the device at another point at intervals independent of the time initiation of energization of the device whereby said device is energized at random inter- 'vals for periods of random duration.

8. The method according to claim 7 in which breaking of the holding circuit is done at regular intervals.

9. The method according to claim 7 which includes utilizing random phenomena to create a second series of pulses of random occurrence and wherein the breaking of the holding circuit is done in response to said second series of pulses.

10. The method of controlling circuits which comprises creating a series of pulses in response to reception of cosmic rays, closing the pick-up circuit of a circuit controlling device in response to the created pulses, creating a second series of pulses independent in time of the first mentioned series of pulses and breaking a holding circuit of the device in response to said second series of pulses whereby circuits will be controlled by said device at random intervals and for periods of random duration.

11. The method according to claim 10 including continuously varying an element in a circuit controlled by the device during periods of deenergization of the device whereby the condition of the circuit controlled by the device will depend, at the moment of energization of the device, upon the condition of the element at that moment.

12. The method according to claim 10 in which the second series of pulses occur at regular intervals.

13. The method according to claim 10 wherein said second series of pulses are created in response to reception of cosmic rays.

14. The method of producing a novelty yarn which comprises utilizing inherently random phenomena to create a series of pulses, separated by intervals of random duration, initiating control signals in response to the created pulses, creating a, second series of pulses, terminating said control signals in response to said second 15. The method according to claim 14 which includes preventing said element from affecting the diameter of yarn during intervals between control signals and continuously varying said element during such intervals whereby the magnitude of change in the diameter of'the yarn efiectibleby the element during any control signal depends upon the condition of said element at the moment of initiation of that signal.

16. The method of producing yarn having slubs of random length at random intervals therein which comprises utilizing inherently random phenomena to create a series of pulses separated by intervals of random duration, initiating control signals in response to the created pulses, creating a second series of pulses, terminating the control signals in response to said second series of pulses, and actuating slub injecting mechanism during each control signal.

17. The method according to claim 16 including continuously varying an element of the slub injecting mechanism affecting the diameter of the injected slubs during periods between control signals whereby the diameters as well as the lengths of the randomly injected slubs will vary randomly.

18. The method of producing novelty yarn which comprises creating a-series of pulsesin response to reception ofcosmic rays, initiating control signals in response to the created pulses, creating a second series of pulses, terminating said signals in response to said second series of pulses and finally controlling an element afiecting the diameter of yarn during production in response to the control signals.

19. A control system comprising in combination a device actuated in response to inherently random phenomena, means responsive to actuation of said device for creating a series of randomly occurring pulses, means responsive to said pulses for initiating a series of control signals, means for creating a second series of pulses independent in time of the first mentioned series of.

pulses and means for terminating said signals in response to said second series of pulses'whereby the control signals will be of random occurrence and of random duration.

'20. A control system comprising in combination a device actuated in response to inherently random phenomena, means responsive to actuation of said device for creating a series of electrical pulses, a relay having a pick-up, circuit and a holding circuit, the latter being adapted to be closed upon energization of the relay, means controlled by said pulses for closing the pick-up circuit of said relay, and means independent of said pulses for openin the holding circuit of-the relay at intervals whereby said relay is energized at random intervals'for periods of random duration.

21. The control system according to claim 20 including means for preventing closure-of the pickup circuit for a predetermined time following opening of the holding circuit.

22. The control system according to claim'20 wherein the last mentioned means of said claim comprises a driven member adapted to open the holding circuit of the relay at predetermined intervals of time.

23. The control system according to claim 20 wherein the last mentioned-means of said claim includes a second device actuated in response to inherently random phenomena, means responsive to actuation oi said'second device for creating a second series of electrical pulses independent of the first mentioned series and a switch in said holding circuit controlled in response to said second series of pulses.

24. The control system according to claim and means in one of said circuits for continuously varying said element when the circuit is enevent a random characteristic.

25. A control system comprising in combination a plurality of counter tubes adapted to be discharged by reception of cosmic rays, a coincident circuit connected to said tubes to transmit pulses only when tubes of a certain combination of said tubes are coincidently discharged, means for initiating control signals upon transmission of pulses by said circuit, a second coincident circuit connected to said tubes to transmit pulses only when tubes of a certain other combination of saidtubes are coincidently discharged and means responsive to pulses transmitted by said second coincident circuit for terminating control signals initiated by said first mentioned pulses whereby control signals of random occurrence and of random'duration are obtained.

26. A control' system for injecting slubs into Yarn comprising a source of inherently random phenomena, means for converting phenomena from said source into a series of randomly occurring pulses, means responsive to said pulses for initiating a series of control signals, means for creating a second series of pulses, means for terminating said signals in response to said second series of pulses and means controlled by the control signals for injecting slubs intoyarn.

27. A control system for injecting slubs into yarn-comprising means responsive to the reception of cosmic rays for creating a series of pulses, means for initiating control signals in response to the created pulses, means independent of the last mentioned means for terminating said signals and means controlled by the control signals for injecting slubs into yarn.

28. The'control system according to claim 27 including a relay having pick-up and holding circuits, said pulses controlling said pick-up circuit and said terminating means controlling said holding circuit, and said relay when energized eifecting the injection of slubs.

29. Thefcontrol system according to claim 28 wherein said terminating means comprises a switch in said holding circuit and a rotating cam adapted to open said circuit at intervals.

30. The control system according to claim 2''! wherein said last mentioned means includes a rotating shaft and a shaft adapted to be coupled thereto, said shafts, when coupled, operating to insert into yarn a slub of a diameter dependent upon therate of rotation of said rotating shaft and .a magnetic clutch for coupling saidshafts together, said control signals causing energization of said clutch and thereby operating to inject slubs of random'length into yarnat random intervals.

31 The control system according to, claim 27 including means responsive to the termination of a control signal for preventing initiation of a including separate circuits closed over front and "back contacts of said relay, avariable element,

succeeding control signal for a predetermined interval whereby there will be a predetermined minimum length of yarn between slubs.

32. Apparatus for producing yarn having slubsly occurring pulses, a normally deenergized electronic tube connected for energization during occurrence of a pulse, a relay and an energizing circuit therefor, a switch in said circuit adapted to be closed only during energization of said tube, a holding circuit for said relay, means for opening said holding circuit at intervals, ,a yarn spinning mechanism and means associated therewith and responsive to energization of said relay for injecting slubs into yarn spun by said mechanism.

33. The combination according to claim 32 wherein said yarn spinning mechanism includes a drafting unithaving a pair of feedgrolls and means for driving said rolls at a constant peripheral speed and wherein the last mentioned means of said claim include auxiliary drive means adapted when actuated to increase the peripheral speed of said rolls, and an electromagnetic device controlled by said. relay for actuating said auxiliary means.

34. The combination according to claim 33 wherein said auxiliary drive means includes an hydraulic motor and a source of fluid underpressure for driving said motor, valve means between said'source and said motor, said electro magnetic device opening said valve in response to:

yarn during production in response to the control.

signals, preventing said element from affecting the diameter of yarn during intervals between control signals and continuously varying said element to vary the magnitude of change in diameter of the yarn efiectible by the element upon occurrence of a control signal.

36'. The methodof producing a novelty yarn having slubs of varying diameter therein which comprises creating a series of control signals of varying length separated by intervals of varying duration, controlling actuation of slub injecting mechanism by the created control signals and automatically varying an element of the slub in- :iecting mechanismufiecting the diameter of the injected slubs whereby the diameter of the iny'ected slubs depend upon the condition of the element during actuation of the mechanism in response to the control signals. a

37. A control system for injecting slubs of varying diameter into yarn comprising means for creating a series of control signals separated by intervals of varying duration, mechanism adapted when actuated to'insert a club into, yarn, said mechanism including a variable element the condition of which upon actuation of the mechanism determines the diameter of the injected club,

means automatically varying the condition of said element and means responsive to the created control signals for actuating said mechanism whereby the diameter of the injected slub will vary in accordance with the condition 0) said element during control signals.

38. The control system according to claim 37. including means responsive to said control signals for rendering-inoperative for the duration of each signal said means for automatically varying the condition of said element.

39. A control system foriniecting slabs into yarn comprising means for creating a series of control signals of varying length separated by intervals of varying duration, a rotating shaft, a shaft adapted to be coupled to said rotating shaft,

said shafts when coupled operating to inject into yarn a slab of a diameter dependent upon the rate of rotation of said rotatin shaIt a clutch for coupling said shafts together, and means for controlling said clutch by said control signals whereby slabs of lengths determined by the lengths of said signals, spaced in accordance with the intervals between signals and of diameters determined by the rates of rotation of said r0- tatable shaft will be inserted into yarn.

FRED P. 'STROTHER.

References Cited in the file of this patent or the originalpatent UNITED STATES: PATENTS 7 Great Britain Oct. 1a, 1938 

